A WIN FOR PUBLIC HOUSING

The justices of the U.S. Supreme Court yesterday struck a blow for common
sense with a ruling that will allow speedy evictions aimed at ridding
public housing of drug users.

The unanimous decision (with Justice Stephen Breyer not taking part in the
ruling) upheld a 1988 federal law that allows the eviction of an entire
family when one member of that family is known to be involved with illegal
drugs.

Yes, it's harsh. And yes, some innocent people will suffer as a result. But
those who must live in public housing have every right to live in a safe
environment too. And that means a drug-free environment, one where parents
don't have to be afraid that their young children can't visit a neighbor
without running into the local pusher.

In the Oakland, Calif., case which brought the issue to the attention of
the high court, 63-year-old Pearlie Rucker faced eviction after her
mentally disabled daughter was caught in possession of cocaine three blocks
from the apartment. Rucker and other family members all faced eviction from
the unit they shared.

"Any drug-related activity engaged in by the specified persons is grounds
for termination, not just drug-related activity that the tenant knew, or
should have known, about," Justice William H. Rehnquist wrote for the court.

This is ultimately about the greater good. That's what Congress had in mind
and that's what this decision puts first as well.